URBAN SCENE
NIGHT LIFE
In and around town with Funky Nora…
MAYA
One of the newest additions to the top-tier clubbing scene, Maya is what was once known as Opium in Soho. With a complete re-vamp of the interior, the former bar/restaurant has been transformed into one of the most exciting members’ clubs to have opened in recent times. The brainchild of Markus Thesleff (he of Pangaea fame) and business partner Marc Boyan, Maya is slowly (and ever so quietly) gaining a regular following of the stylish and hip trend-setters that most clubs aspire to, but which few manage to attract and retain. Since its opening back in September of last year, we have seen many a celebrity-fuelled and fashion-industry party to give it the oomph factor in droves. And judging by the patronage of the ‘London set’ (the trend-setters who make or break a place), there are good times ahead… The design team behind Maya are Julian Taylor Associates, who are responsible for the uber-cool Mint Leaf restaurant on Haymarket and the recent transformation of Attica (now 24 London). A boutique club in the truest sense, official capacity is just 270 people, which means the door policy is pretty damn tight with the riff-raff kept firmly outside! One of the key design features of the club is the DJ booth, which overlooks the dancefloor (yes, an actual dancefloor!) Going against the trend of the table-only VIP clubs of the past few years, this is going back to what clubbing should be all about: having fun and boogieing ‘til the lights go up!
URBAN LIFE NIGHTLIFE PG 64-66.indd 1
12/4/08 12:10:13